Hi, I’m CarrieRae, founder of Undersummers. As a designer, my mission has always been to create garments that help women feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, no matter their size. But for me, this mission is deeply personal.
My relationship with weight, body image, and self-acceptance has been shaped not only by my own experiences with weight gain and loss but also by the profound influence of my grandmother. Her struggle with obesity and her decision to undergo one of the first weight loss surgeries in the 1970s forever shaped the way I view women’s bodies, health, and the power of resilience.
Today, I want to share my story—and hers—with you.
My Grandmother’s Struggle with Obesity
My grandmother was a remarkable woman. Strong, loving, and full of life, she had a warmth that could light up any room. But she also carried the heavy burden of obesity, a condition that affected not just her physical health but her mental and emotional well-being as well.
In the 1970s, weight loss surgery was in its infancy, and my grandmother was one of the first to undergo a life-altering procedure. It wasn’t the refined surgeries we see today—this was experimental, risky, and grueling. But she was determined to take control of her health and create a better future for herself and her family.
Her bravery in undergoing this surgery was a testament to her resilience, but it also came with its own set of challenges. Recovery was difficult, and the physical and emotional toll of the process left lasting scars. Yet, through it all, she never lost her sense of humor or her love for her family.
My Own Journey with Weight Gain and Loss
Growing up, I saw firsthand how much my grandmother struggled, and it left an indelible mark on me. As I got older, I began to experience my own challenges with weight. Like many women, I’ve gone through cycles of weight gain and loss, each bringing its own emotional highs and lows.
There were times I felt uncomfortable in my own body, caught between societal expectations and my own self-perception. I would stand in front of the mirror, frustrated by clothes that didn’t fit right or styles that didn’t flatter. But through it all, I carried the lessons my grandmother taught me: that my worth was never tied to a number on a scale.
This perspective became the foundation of Undersummers. I wanted to create garments that celebrated women for who they are, right now—not for who they might become after losing weight or fitting into a certain size.
The Connection Between My Grandmother and Undersummers
When I founded Undersummers, I often thought about my grandmother. She would have been my biggest cheerleader, celebrating every milestone and encouraging me to dream even bigger. I wish she could have seen the success of this company—a brand built on empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Her journey, though difficult, inspired me to think deeply about what women need in their clothing. It’s not about squeezing into shapewear or hiding behind oversized fabrics. It’s about creating pieces that enhance your natural beauty and help you feel like the best version of yourself, no matter your size or shape.
I think she would have loved our Undersummers Shortlettes—a garment designed to solve real problems like thigh chafing while being stylish, comfortable, and size-inclusive. It’s the kind of thoughtful design I wish had existed during her lifetime.
Honoring Her Legacy
My grandmother’s strength, resilience, and unwavering love are at the heart of everything I do. Her struggles and triumphs remind me why it’s so important to create clothing that supports women, not just physically but emotionally.
She taught me that every woman’s journey is unique and that true confidence comes from embracing who you are, not conforming to someone else’s standards. That’s the message I carry forward with Undersummers—to help women feel empowered, celebrated, and seen.
A Personal Mission
Undersummers isn’t just a clothing brand; it’s a mission born from personal experience. My own weight journey, coupled with my grandmother’s struggles, has given me a deep understanding of the challenges many women face.
When I design a piece, I think about how it will make someone feel. Will it help her move confidently through her day? Will it remind her that her body is beautiful, just as it is? These are the questions that guide me because I know how much it matters.
A Wish for My Grandmother
If I could tell my grandmother one thing, it would be this: Your struggles weren’t in vain. You taught me the importance of resilience, love, and self-acceptance, and your story is woven into everything I create.
I often imagine her reaction to Undersummers—the joy she would feel seeing women of all shapes and sizes celebrating themselves in garments designed to empower. I like to think she’d be proud of what we’ve built together, even if she isn’t here to see it.
For Every Woman, Everywhere
Undersummers is for every woman who has ever struggled to find clothing that fits, flatters, and makes her feel beautiful. It’s for women who have faced challenges with their weight, confidence, or self-perception and come out stronger on the other side.
With garments like our Classic Shortlettes and Lace Shortlettes, we’re here to remind you that your body is worthy of celebration—today, tomorrow, and every day.
To my grandmother, to every woman who has ever felt unseen or unworthy: thank you for inspiring this journey. Your strength, love, and resilience are the reasons Undersummers exists.
With love and gratitude,
CarrieRae
Founder, Undersummers
